Omega Watches for Investment: Ultimate Guide
Are Omega watches good investments?
Omega is one of the oldest Swiss watch brands, and with that comes a long and great history. Over the course of its history, Omega watches have been to the moon, been in space countless times, been used for countless of Olympic Games, been featured in a large number of James Bond movies, and much more.
All of these things have contributed to making the Omega brand prestigious and well-respected within the watch industry. Most importantly, of course, is the fact that Omega makes technically advanced and qualitative timepieces that last through generations.
With that said, are Omega watches good investments that can prove to hold their value, or even increase in value over time?
In this article, we will talk about Omega watches as investments.
Omega watches as investments
Buying wristwatches as investments is not an uncommon topic. A lot of people buy wristwatches as a good place to place their money in the hopes that their assets increase in value over time. Or at the very least, retain its value.
It would seem like the perfect combination. Wear and enjoy a wristwatch that brings you joy, whilst at the same time knowing your money is securely placed, and hopefully grows over time.
So can Omega watches prove to be good investments?
To answer this question, we first need to understand what makes a wristwatch appreciate in value and how a wristwatch can be a good investment.
The simple explanation is that the demand is greater than the supply, and therefore, the prices increase. This is particularly true if a model is not in production anymore, and the numbers that exist on the market are what is available. Omega will simply not make more of that model. For various reasons, the demand for that model may increase, and naturally, the prices increase as well.
Another factor is the retail prices. Omega has raised its recommended retail prices multiple times in the last couple of years, which means they are more expensive to acquire brand new. When this happens, the prices on the secondhand market tend to follow. Perhaps not at the same pace, but normally slowly but surely up.
Limited Edition Omega watches
This is particularly true for limited edition timepieces. These are usually made in small numbers, and when the production stops, the only way to get one is to look at the secondhand market. However, have in mind that just because it is a limited edition doesn’t mean that it is an investment piece. For in order for a watch to be an investment, it needs to have a great demand in the secondhand market, and this is not always the case for all limited edition watches.
Don’t believe that just because it is a limited edition that it will be an investment piece because the majority of limited edition Omega watches are not. However, they can be if you buy watches that are popular and have high demand. It’s about understanding the market and what people like.
It is always difficult to predict how popular a limited edition watch will be – in particular in the long term, but if you know the market, they can prove to be a good purchase.
This brings us to the next point.
Omega for investment: most popular models
When buying an Omega watch for investment, the safest bet is always to buy one of the most popular Omega watches. You want to do this because these watches have a large audience and are always in demand. Since there is a large audience for them, the chances are also big that they will increase in value over time. In particular, if they are discontinued and go out of production – limited edition or not.
Furthermore, you want to buy an Omega watch in men’s size. The secondhand market is considerably bigger for men’s watches, and so it is for these watches that the demand will be the highest.
Omega’s two most popular models are the Speedmaster and Seamaster. In terms of quantity, Omega sells most watches from the Constellation collection, but these are primarily women who buy a watch brand new and then never sell it or even look at the secondhand market. This is why the secondhand market for them is relatively small.
With that said, the watches that have the best chances of being investment pieces are the Speedmaster and the Seamaster.
Now, within these two collections, there are countless versions to choose from. But the general rule is that you should get the most popular and basic pieces that speak to most people. In the Speedmaster range, this means the standard black Speedmaster with hesalite or sapphire crystal, and in the Seamaster range, it means the regular dive watches in the standard color variations and with no additional functions such as GMT hand or a chronograph.
Omega Speedmaster investment
The Speedmaster is Omega’s most iconic, legendary, and important timepiece.
The Speedmaster is known all over the world and has a huge audience. The demand for the Speedmaster is always high, but in particular for the standard Speedmaster models.
If you are looking to buy a Speedmaster for investment, the safest bet is always to go for the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. It’s simply a classic that will always have demand, and which has proven to be a good investment. Furthermore, since Omega regularly increases its prices, the prices on the secondhand market for these have proven to follow as well.
Omega Seamaster investment
The Omega Seamaster is yet another iconic watch from Omega. It has been in production since 1948, although changed its design many times since then. When a lot of people think about an iconic dive watch, they think about the Seamaster.
It is the choice of watch for James Bond, so it should be good enough for us.
Opt for the classic and traditional Seamaster models.
Omega watches for investment: materials
When buying an Omega watch as an investment, you want to consider the material.
As a general rule, you should only buy full stainless steel watches. Whilst some full gold, half gold, or titanium watches have proven to be good investments, the large market will always have a preference for stainless steel, so this is where you have the most upside. This will always be the safest bet. Be careful with gold watches in particular as the market is much slimmer than with steel, usually because the price for these is much higher, and because not everyone will like gold watches.
Omega watches for investment
An Omega watch can prove to be a great investment.
If you look at some vintage Speedmasters, you can see that they have increased in value by several hundred percent. The same goes for certain Seamasters as well, such as 1957, Seamaster 300, etc, but these are vintage watches and demand a little bit more expertise and knowledge to buy to ensure you buy a good example. When you have educated yourself a bit more in the vintage market of Omega, you can explore Omega’s vintage alternatives that may prove to continue to be great investments.
Be careful with limited edition, because not all limited edition Omega watches will be great investments, although many of them can. Make sure you do your research to understand the market and the demand. Depending on how long you plan on owning your Omega watch, you may buy a watch that isn’t as popular today but may become more popular further on.
What do you think about the new Seamaster ultra as an future investment?
Hi,
Very hard to say.
But keep in mind that the investment potential directly correlates to how popular something is – the more people it appeals, the more collectible it will prove to be.
With that said, the Seamaster ultra is a huge watch that certainly isn’t for everyone. With that said, size ideals may change in the future (keep in mind that the size ideals for men’s watches was around 33-36 not too long ago. So size ideals can change but the question is if the size ideals will change that dramatically.
The bottom line is, the watch is so large that it is not suitable for everyone. This will negatively affect the investment potential. That is not to say that it will be completely worthless – there may just be better alternatives for investment purposes.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hi,
Your knowledge and thoughts seemed interesting on this thread. I’m a watch collector and investor,. Was hoping if you could help me decide on buying some omega models. I’m looking to resell them at a profit in the short term as prices will be going up February onwards and since I buy a lot I’m getting some great deals on some models. I’m looking to buy 3 to 4 of them. If you can please give your thoughts on which ones I should buy from the below list. All watches are brand new
Constellation Co Axial master chronometer 39mm steel with rose/ yellow gold around € 7500
Seamaster Co Axial chronometer gmt chronograph 44mm 2021 model discontnued € 3900
Speedmaster moonwatch professional Co Axial Master chronometer chronograph 42mm
1. Hazelite front and back € 5200
2. Crystal sapphire front and back € 5800
Bond 007 NTTD titanium seamaster € 9500. This one you have mentioned to someone in the thread. Price what I’m getting is decent
Seamaster Trilogy railmaster limited ed 1700 of 3557 pcs €5500 38mm .002 series plain dial
Seamaster planet ocean 600m Co Axial Master chronometer 39.5mm
Tokyo 2020 limited edition €5600
Seamaster 42mm Beijing 2022 €4400
Speedmaster dark side of the moon. 44.25mm Team Alinghi. Black €8300
Exhausting list pls help cheers
Hi,
In general, the most popular from the list are:
Speedmaster moonwatch professional Co Axial Master chronometer chronograph 42mm, both saphire and hesalite.
Bond 007 NTTD titanium seamaster € 9500.
The other watches you mention are more niche and do not appeal to everyone. Gold and steel Omega watches are relatively difficult to sell as there is not a huge demand for them nor do they appeal to everyone. The Planet ocean is relatively popular but it depends on the size. The 39.5mm and 42 are the most popular. Larger than that and there are not a lot of people who have large enough wrists or who like that large watches.
The trilogy is a limited edition but the Railmaster is the least popular of the trilogy collection and not a very “hot” model.
Hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Thanks so much for your help
Hi! what do you think about the Seamaster aqua terra 38mm with the Bay Green dial as an investment?
Thanks!
Hi,
The Aqua terra with green dial is quite a popular watch today. Historically, the Aqua terra has not proven to be the best investment choice, however.
With that said, the Speedmaster is always the best investment choice from Omega but we estimate that the watch will hold its value relatively well, although it may not increase a lot in value.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hi,
Thank you for a very interesting article.
About two years ago (just before Covid hit), Omega launched its boutique city collection (for 5 or 6 cities that include Singapore, Macau, Vienna, Paris, NY and UAE). This will be a limited edition of 399 pieces each city. Will this be an example of limited edition that will retain its value (and even appreciate) or would you still prefer the classics you mention in your article.
Kind regards,
A
Hi,
It’s difficult to say but I would say that I am not entirely convinced that they will.
Firstly, the boutique city collection consists of dress watches. Generally, dress watches are not Omega’s strong side and most Omega customers are more appealed by sports watches, in particular the Seamaster and Speedmaster, which are the two models that have proven to be the best historically. If you look at Omega’s dress watches, they don’t tend to perform very well in terms of value retention for the most part. This is due to the fact that most people want sports watches. This is not just for Omega but for most watch brands.
Yes, they are limited editions, limited to relatively few pieces but Omega has released many limited editions over the years so overall, it’s not that special.
So whilst they may perform better than most of Omega’s other dress watches, a sports watch from Omega will probably be the better bet if you ask us.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hi. What do you think of the speedmaster Apollo 11 40th anniversary and the Gemini IV 40th anniversary. Both seemed to have increased a lot in recent years.
Hi,
Yes, most of the older special edition Speedmasters have increased a lot in recent years. And you can never go wrong with a blue dial watch, in particular on a Speedmaster which generally is quite rare. This will likely e a good investment in the years to come.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hello
I am looking for an omega watch for my dad since these are his favourite watches but he also wants one that will be a good investment. He is into the 50th anniversary Apollo 11 but I am not sure if it is investable and would like to have your opinion on this. His budget is 20k so I would like to know what you think the best omega watch for style and investment. Thank you
Hi,
If you’re going to bet on anything for investment, you should bet on a Speedmaster. This is the model that has proven to be the best over time for investment purposes due to its great popularity and great history.
The Apollo 11 will likely perform somewhat well over the coming years however, Omega produced quite a lot of them (6969 pieces). I would say one of the Speedmaster Snoopy models, for example, the most recent. Snoopy Omega has always proven to perform exceptionally well and has very high demand.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
I’m thinking of buying a used omega specialities for around 5k. What do you think to long term prices?
Hi,
For 5k, our best recommendation would be a classic Speedmaster Moonwatch. The budget may not be enough for the latest model but for the previous generation Moonwatch hesalite with reference ending with.005. It is a true classic that is only getting more and more popular.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Thank you for your previous reply. What are your thoughts on the omega specialities? It was a numbered edition and it was discontinued in 2022. Yet there are still a few new ones available with dealers? Where do you think used prices will sit in the future?
Hi,
Do you think the two new 300M Summer Blue Seamasters make for good investments?
Cheers!
Hi,
In the last couple of years, the Seamaster has seen an increase in value as Omega has consistently increased its retail price and it is likely that this will continue. However, the Seamaster still sell for under their retail price, generally speaking, so the best investment strategy would be to buy one secondhand.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches
Hi, I think about the Seamaster Trilogy edition at 6300€. Do you think it is a good investment or is it more a niche watch ? Thanks in advance for your advise. Best regards,
Hi,
The Seamaster has proven to be quite popular. It’s definitely a watch that has investment potential for the future. It’s a popular model, vintage-inspired, has a great design, and is limited in numbers. It has already increased in value in recent years since it was launched and will likely continue to do so.
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches